Optimization of unique PET enzymatic depolymerization technology

CARBIOS announces having received a first payment of €1.2M from ADEME for the OPTI-ZYME research project, carried out in partnership with INRAE, INSA and the CNRS via the TWB mixed service units and TBI research, a project co-financed by the State as part of France 2030 operated by ADEME. In response to CARBIOS' desire to continuously optimize and improve its unique PET enzymatic depolymerization technology, the OPTI-ZYME project, lasting 4 years, aims to investigate the scientific and technical levers to increase the competitiveness of the process, optimize the necessary investments and reduce its environmental footprint.

This collaborative R&D program focuses on the technical-economic optimization of the process steps while preserving the quality of the monomers obtained. The optimizations, the new developments envisaged and the exploration of innovative solutions should lead to strengthening the flexibility of the technology with regard to incoming waste and allow optimal adaptation to different sources of raw materials currently little or not valued, in particular food trays and textiles, or mixtures of incoming materials. It also aims to limit consumption of inputs and water, as well as to regenerate or reduce the co-product and ultimate residual waste. Finally, its objective is to support the optimization of enzymes to help maximize the economic profitability and competitiveness of the process. Thus, the project aims for an overall improvement in performance, combining efficiency, quality and environmental sustainability, for the benefit of the Longlaville factory, construction of which has started, and future licensed factories.

“Innovation is at the heart of all CARBIOS activities. In a constant process of technological improvement and in order to support industrial and commercial deployment, we must continue to innovate at all stages of the process. The targeted optimizations will make it possible to improve the performance of the enzyme and contribute to better productivity, while reducing production costs and the environmental impact of the process to meet the economic and sustainable development challenges of our future licensees. We want to remain the most attractive offer on the recycling market.” Emmanuel Ladent, Managing Director of Carbios

CARBIOS, leader and coordinator of the project, announced in May 2023 the granting of total funding of €11.4M by the Stateas part of France 2030 operated by ADEME, including €8.2M directly for CARBIOS (€3.2M in grants and €5M in repayable advances) and €3.2 million for its academic partners INRAE, INSA and CNRS (via the mixed TWB service and TBI research units). This funding, which is made up of grants and repayable advances, will be paid in several installments over the duration of this project, including an initial tranche of 15%, the equivalent of €1.2M, received by CARBIOS on December 5, 2023. The first Monitoring Committee with ADEME for the first key stage of the project will be held in February 2024 to validate the granting of the second tranche of funding.

This project 2282D0513-A is financed by the State as part of France 2030 operated by ADEME.